How to Remove Thanksgiving Day Stains

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks and celebrate with friends and family as you reflect on what you’re grateful. While partaking in Thanksgiving traditions, you might experience some unwanted stains during the turkey dinner. Here are some Thanksgiving Day stains and tips to restore your fabric/carpets back to it’s original state.

1.) Gravy: Gravy is a key component to your Thanksgiving dinner. If you happen to spill some on your carpeted floor surfaces, upholstered chair, or clothing, follow our steps on how to remove the greasy stain: Treat the stain as soon as possible! Scrape off any excess gravy with a dull knife. Blot a little bit of liquid dishwashing solution with a white clean cloth. Do not rub the spot because it will force the stain deeper into the carpet surface. Rinse the area with cold water to break up the stain. The longer you allow the stain to dilute with a cleaning solution, the more the stain breaks up allowing for easier removal. Pretreat with an enzyme detergent. Wash the stain with hot water. Repeat process until stain is removed.

2.) Red Wine: Spilt some red wine on your carpet? Here is a quick cleaning remedy! Immediately blot the stain with a clean white cloth. Apply hydrogen peroxide to the stain. Allow the chemical to sit in order to break off the carpet fibers. Mist the stain with a water mixed with carpet cleaning solution. Using another clean rag, blot the stain until it’s completely removed.

3.) Apple: Apple pie, apple crisp, apple cider, apple fritters, apple juice, and more! Apples can cause quite the mess whether you are eating or baking them. Scrape any excess globs of apple off the surface. Next, blot the stain with a clean white rag or paper towel. Pretreat stain with a pre-wash stain remover or liquid dish soap detergent diluted with water. Rinse the stain with water. Try spraying with water bottle.

4.) Cranberry Sauce: Pretreat the surface with a pre-wash stain remover for fabric. Throw the article of clothing into the washing machine. Apply a dry cleaning solvent to the cranberry sauce stain using a clean white cloth. Blot the area several times until all liquid is absorbed. Repeat. Place the clothing back into the washing machine for an additional wash. If the stain is on upholstery; scrape off any excess cranberry sauce. Sponge the stain with a dry cleaning solution (use a white cloth). Blot the stain several times until the solvent is absorbed. Repeat several times. With a carpet stain, follow the same steps as upholstery cleaning, except: Try a mixed vinegar solution (one part liquid hand detergent, tablespoon of white vinegar, diluted with two cups of warm water). Spray the stain surface and blot with a clean white towel until all liquid is absorbed. Using a sponge with cold water, blot the surface until dry.

5.) Candle Wax: There are different ways to approach candle wax removal from a carpeted or upholstered surface; A common method is heating the candle wax for quick fix. Have a blow dryer handy? Reheat the wax with the hair dryer on a medium temperature. Once melted, wipe away the wax with a cleaning rag. Remove the remaining residue with a cleaning solution. Repeat the process if necessary. Another heating method that works is with an iron. This heating technique soaks up the wax as it is melting (great for carpet or fabric stains). Place clean white paper towels over the candle wax spot. Next, put a clean towel or rag over the paper towels. Gently rub the warm iron over the wax. The paper towels will eventually absorb the wax. Make sure to constantly move in a circular motion in order to prevent the paper towels from burning. Remove the iron after a few seconds and check the paper towel to make sure that the wax is melting away into its surfaces. Some candle wax may leave a color residue behind. If this is the case, spray with a carpet cleaner on the spot and let soak for a few minutes. Blot with a clean white towel or rag. Repeat if necessary.